[EAS] Part 11 / Local CAP Relay Networks

[ed.czarnecki at monroe-electronics.com]

Dave, Richard et al. - some of you might recall back a few years ago I was the industry lead for the installation of a pilot CAP data broadcast network using satellite and DTV assets (remember DEAS ?).  In fact, mux gear went out to some 176+ sites across the nation for data retransmission.  Those components may be obsolete (at least not upgraded), but the premise is still very valid. 

For those tracking CMAS (aka PLAN), PTV stations are playing a backup role for the transmission of CMAS messaging from the IPAWS aggregator (I served on the FCC CMAS committee, and was part of early planning meetings between the FCC and public stations on their role in CMAS).

CMAS is not relaying CAP, however.  But again, the precedent is there.

The other wrinkle is the possibility - even likelihood - that not all states send all CAP messages through the IPAWS aggregator.  Some may prefer to rely on state systems - even remaining in a silo.  Data broadcast networks can be build at a local, state or regional basis.

The data broadcast reception costs are relatively small, though the hub (encapsulation) capital costs for origination can get up there.

If anyone want to discuss best practices and lessons learned from a range of Federal and state pilots I'd been involved in, feel free to send me a note.

Edward Czarnecki, Ph.D.
Senior Director - Strategy, Development and Regulatory Affairs
Monroe Electronics, Inc. / Digital Alert Systems
ed.czarnecki at monroe-electronics.com
www.monroe-electronics.com
www.digitalalertsystems.com

-----Original Message-----
From: David Ostmo [mailto:dostmo at kabb.sbgnet.com]